Bali Travel Do's & Don'ts

√ Do...

• check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from date of entry into Indonesia before travelling.
• purchase travel insurance or ensure that your current policy will help cover your medical expenses, if required.
• only change money at reputable money changers; use your own (or the hotel's) calculator before changing; recount after exchange. Dodgy changers generally have better exchange rates, give you smaller notes and won’t let you recount.
• familiarize yourself with the currencies . The Rp100,000 (approx US$10) has 2 men and the RP10,000 (approx US$1) has only 1 man on the note. A Rp60,000 massage could cost you Rp600,000 if you are not careful!
• slap on loads of High Factor Waterproof Sun Cream; even during cloudy days , the UV rays can be intense!
  
• drink plenty of bottled mineral water and eat a lot of fresh fruit.
• avoid eating at local side street stalls if you are not sure, as the infamous Bali belly is not pleasant (Imodium helps)
• be careful with your belongings at all times. Crime is ever-present.
• walk around offerings on the street, if you accidentally step on one, just apologize and move on.
• respect the slow pace of processions when stuck behind one, i.e. don't honk! 
  
• bargain when buying (except on price-tagged goods in boutiques).
  
• wear a helmet when riding motorbikes and also watch out for dashing dogs!
• be a responsible tourist and recycle where possible. Bring home amazing souvenirs from your holiday and leave behind a cleaner Bali!
  

× Don’t ...

• forget to take a photocopy of your passport or ID with you at all times. 
• forget to carry a valid international car or motorbike license for hiring self-drive car or riding motorbikes.
•  swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong and most beaches do not have lifeguards. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
• do drugs! It can carry the death penalty, and there are enough foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the Government prison service!
•  touch people's heads - it is very offensive to Hindus.
• enter a temple during menstruation. Sorry ladies!
• forget to put salt in your food & drink lots of water – this helps prevent dehydration.
• worry too much about the ice - it's government-quality controlled in established bars and restaurants.
• forget to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stop, motorbikes may not!
• forget to reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to flying. Airport Departure Tax is: International = Rp150,000 / Domestic = Rp30,000